Alabama
Title Turn Time: 24-48 hours
Attorney State: No
Marital State: Yes, Spouse must sign if the property is the marital residence.
Meridian National Title must Fund: No (Title Only allowed)
Document Requirements for policy:
- Closing instructions
- Payoffs of items on title
- Copy of signed HUD
- Executed Mortgage
- Meridian Title disclosure docs
- 1003 or SOI
- Proof of wire or cancelled check for payoff
- Ledger
Mortgage Tax: Mortgage tax applies in the state of Alabama, please contact our office for the amounts.
Survey: No survey required just the survey affidavit.
Recording Requirements:
Prepared by Statement is required which must state the individual’s name and firm.
Instruments pertaining to a Grantor/Grantee must have addresses of both listed on the document.
Mortgage requires the Source of Title with the correct type of book stated
Alaska
Title Turn Time: 3-5 Days depending on area.
Attorney State: NO
Meridian National Title must Fund: Yes, We must perform the sub-escrow services on the file.
Marital State: Yes, Spouse must sign if the property is homestead.
Document Requirements for policy:
- Closing instructions
- Payoffs of items on title
- Copy of signed HUD
- Executed Mortgage
- Meridian Title disclosure docs
- 1003 or SOI
- Proof of wire or cancelled check for payoff
- Ledger
Mortgage Tax: Not applicable
Survey: Survey is only required for a purchase. The survey affidavit is needed for refinances.
Recording Requirements:
1st page of every document must contain a 2″ top margin and 1″ on sides and bottom of all pages. Return address, Loan #’s, etc must be below this 2″ top margin. If the 1″ inch margins are not met the document can not be recorded with non standard fees.
Arizona
Title Turn Time: 24-48 hours
Attorney State: NO
Meridian National Title must Fund: We utilize Vantage Point Escrow for disbursement services.
Marital State:Arizona is considered a Community Property State. The spouse must sign the mortgage unless either is in title as “sole and separate property”
Document Requirements for policy:
- Closing instructions
- Payoffs of items on title
- Meridian Title signed HUD
- Executed Mortgage
- State required affidavits
- Meridian Title disclosure docs
Mortgage Tax: Not Applicable
Survey: No Survey required just the survey affidavit.
Recording Requirements:
The first page shall have at least 2” of vertical space from left to right and shall be left for recordation and return address information; each document shall have at least ½” margins on the bottom and sides of each document.
Font must be at least 10 point font. No Exceptions!!!!!! This requirement must be met and also the print must be legible or this will be rejected also. The following county (ies) will accept clarity copies Cochise, Mohave, Pima, Pinal & Yavapai. The clarity pages should state “For Clarity Purposes”
All affidavits should be filed as a separate document.
Arkansas
Title Turn Time: 24-72 hours.
Attorney State: NO
Marital State: Yes, Spouse must sign no exceptions.
Meridian National Title must Fund: No (Title Only allowed)
Document Requirements for policy:
- Closing instructions
- Payoffs of items on title
- Copy of signed HUD
- Executed Mortgage
- Meridian Title disclosure docs
- 1003 or SOI
- Proof of wire or cancelled check for payoff
- Ledger
Mortgage Tax: Not Applicable
Survey: No Survey required just the survey affidavit.
Recording Requirements:
Must be submitted on 8 1/2” x 11” paper NO EXCEPTIONS!!!!
2 ½” margin at the top right of the 1 st page, ½” margin on the sides and bottom of all pages and a 2 ½” margin at the bottom of the last page of the document.
Prepared by statement including name and address of the person preparing the document must appear on the first page of any document.
All names must be printed under the signatures.
California
Title Turn Time: Southern counties 24-48 hours. Northern counties 5 days depending on area.
Attorney State: NO
Meridian National Title must Fund: Yes, We must perform the sub-escrow services on the file.
Marital State: Community Property state. Both the husband and wife must execute the Deed of Trust of their Community Property, consisting of that acquired by either party during their marriage. However, Real Property owned by or claimed by either person before marriage or thereafter acquired by gift, devise or descent is the separate property of the husband or wife, as the case may be.
If the vested party acquired title as a married person and since divorced, the marital status should be vested as unmarried man/woman.
Document Requirements for policy:
- Closing instructions
- Payoffs of items on title
- Executed Deed of Trust
- Meridian Title disclosure docs
Mortgage Tax: Not applicable
Survey: Survey is only required for a purchase. The survey affidavit is needed for refinances.
Recording Requirements:
All documents must have ½” margins all the way around except the 1 st page which will have a 2”- 3” vertical space at the top for recording and return address information, return address should be on the top left side.
All documents must be submitted on 8.5” x 11” paper or non-standard fees will apply. Any page that is non-standard is an additional $3.00 per page.
All documents must be originals or copies of the original with clear, legible print (Can Not Be Blurred). Font size can be no smaller than 10 point. You may include a clarity copy but it must be the entire document attached with a page. Legal descriptions must be stated as “EXHIBIT A” with the document and title as the same.
Colorado
Title Turn Time: 24-48 hours
Attorney State: NO
Marital State: The spouse is only required to sign the Deed of Trust if there is a recorded declared homestead.
Meridian National Title must Fund: No (Title Only allowed)
Document Requirements for policy:
- Closing instructions
- Payoffs of items on title
- Copy of signed HUD
- Executed Mortgage
- Meridian Title disclosure docs
- 1003 or SOI
- Proof of wire or cancelled check for payoff
- Ledger
Mortgage Tax: Not Applicable
Survey: No Survey required just the survey affidavit.
Recording Requirements:
All documents shall contain a margin of at least 1” and a left, right, and bottom margin of at least ½”. County may refuse to file the document if it does not conform.
If the Commissioner of Superior Court signs documents no seal is needed.
Connecticut
Title Turn Time: 48-72 hours.
Attorney State: YES
Meridian National Title must Fund: Yes, we must perform the completed disbursement on the file. No Exceptions!
Marital State: No, Spouse isn’t required to sign the documents.
Document Requirements for policy:
- Closing instructions
- Payoffs of items on title
- Meridian Title signed HUD
- Executed Mortgage
- State required affidavits
- Meridian Title disclosure docs
Mortgage Tax: Not applicable
Survey: Survey affidavit is required.
Recording Requirements:
All documents are recorded in the township of the property.
Shall be a 3/4″ margin surrounding each page and return address with addressee appearing at the top of the 1st page.
All documents must have two witnesses and one can be the notary but the notary must also sign as a witness.
Delaware
Title Turn Time: 24-48 hours
Attorney State: YES
Meridian National Title must Fund: Yes, the Delaware attorney must perform the full disbursement and closing. No Exceptions!
Marital State: No, Spouse isn’t required to sign the documents.
Document Requirements for policy:
- Closing instructions
- Payoffs of items on title
- Meridian Title signed HUD
- Executed Mortgage
- State required affidavits
- Meridian Title disclosure docs
Mortgage Tax: Not applicable
Survey: Survey is only required for a purchase. The survey affidavit is needed for refinances.
Recording Requirements:
Requires the Tax Parcel Number to be shown on the upper third of the first page of the mortgage.
The “Prepared By” statement preceded by the words: “Prepared BY” must Also be shown on the upper third of the first page. You may use the left side of one and one fourth inch top margin for this statement and for Tax Parcel Number mentioned above.
Florida
Title Turn Time: 24-48 hours.
Attorney State: NO
Marital State: Yes, Spouse must sign if the property is the marital residence.
Meridian National Title must Fund: No (Title Only allowed)
Document Requirements for policy:
- Closing instructions
- Payoffs of items on title
- Copy of signed HUD
- Executed Mortgage
- Meridian Title disclosure docs
- 1003 or SOI
- Proof of wire or cancelled check for payoff
- Ledger
Mortgage Tax: Mortgage tax is applicable in the state of Florida please contact us for amounts.
Survey: Survey is required for purchases only. The affidavit is acceptable for refinances.
Recording Requirements:
All documents must have a prepared by individual and address.
Document requires 3” x 3” area in upper right of 1 st page for recording information.
All signatures require printed names underneath.
According to FS 695.26(1)(c) if there are witnesses signing a document then the signatures must have a printed name underneath.
Address must be typed or printed legibly under the borrower(s) signature.
Documents may have not a driver license number or social security number listed or it will be rejected.
Georgia
Title Turn Time: 24-48 hours
Attorney State: YES
Meridian National Title must Fund: Yes, We must perform the sub-escrow services on the file.
Marital State: No, spouse isn’t required to sign the documents.
Document Requirements for policy:
- Closing instructions
- Payoffs of items on title
- HUD signed at closing
- Executed Mortgage
- Meridian Title disclosure docs
Mortgage Tax: Yes, please call for amounts.
Survey: No survey required. Just have the survey affidavit completed.
Recording Requirements:
Closing attorney affidavit/waiver of borrower’s rights must be signed and recorded.
Two separate checks are required for mortgage tax and recording.
All documents must have an unofficial witness which can not be the notary, no exceptions.
Intangible Tax is exempt if the lender is a Credit Union.
Dekalb……. Does not allow white-out or correction tape to be used on any documents.
Idaho
Title Turn Time: 2-5 Days depending on area.
Attorney State: NO
Meridian National Title must Fund: Yes, we must perform Sub Escrow services.
Marital State: Yes – as to community property consisting of that real estate acquired by either party during the marriage. No – as to real estate owned (that is not Homestead Property) or claimed by either before marriage, or thereafter acquired by gift, devise or descent, which is the sole and separate property of the husband or wife, as the case may be.
Document Requirements for policy:
- Closing instructions
- Payoffs of items on title
- HUD signed at closing
- Executed Deed of Trust
- Meridian Title disclosure docs signed.
- Must have legible copy of identification for each borrower.
Mortgage Tax: Not applicable
Survey: Survey affidavit is required.
Recording Requirements: None of importance
Illinois
Title Turn Time: 24-48 hours
Attorney State: NO
Meridian National Title must Fund: No, Title only is allowed
Marital State: Yes, spouse must sign the mortgage as to homestead property.
Document Requirements for policy:
- Closing instructions
- Payoffs of items on title
- Copy of signed HUD
- Executed Mortgage
- Meridian Title disclosure docs
- 1003 or SOI
- Proof of wire or cancelled check for payoff
- Ledger
Mortgage Tax: Not applicable
Survey: Survey is only required for a purchase. The survey affidavit is needed for refinances.
Recording Requirements:
1st page must contain a blank space measuring at least 3” x 5” in the upper right hand corner for the Clerk’s stamp only and all other pages must have ½” margin on all sides.
Submit on 8.5″ x 11″ paper, typewritten print must be black, no faxed copies.
Attachment should not be stapled or affixed to any page, i.e. labels, highlight, any writings in the 1/2″ margins.
Any of the above requirements not met non standard fees do apply!
Tax Parcel Number must be on all documents.
“Prepared By” must be on 1st page and include name, address of the person preparing the document.
Indiana
Title Turn Time: 24-48 hours
Attorney State: NO
Marital State: No, spouse isn’t required to sign the docs.
Meridian National Title must Fund: No (Title Only allowed)
Document Requirements for policy:
- Closing instructions
- Payoffs of items on title
- Copy of signed HUD
- Executed Mortgage
- Meridian Title disclosure docs
- 1003 or SOI
- Proof of wire or cancelled check for payoff
- Ledger
Mortgage Tax: Not Applicable
Survey: Survey is only required for purchases. Survey affidavit can be used for refinances.
Recording Requirements:
1 st and last page must have a 2” margin at the top and bottom of the page. All interior pages must have a ½” margin around all sides.
Font size must be at least 10 point.
Document must be legible to reproduce watch closely all riders, legals, etc. these may have to be retyped.
Black ink require on all documents except for signatures this also includes any transfer forms or affidavits.
All recordable documents must include a parcel ID#.
Names must be typed or printed under all signatures including the notary. All signatures must match the vesting throughout the entire document if not it must be A/K/A’D.
**Must be a prepared by statement by the individual not company preparing the document at the conclusion of the document** with the affirmation statement as follows and signed (printed name required also):
“I affirm, under the penalties for perjury,
that I have taken reasonable care to redact
each Social Security number in this
document, unless required by law.”
LEGAL DESCRIPTIONS: Must contain the section, township, range or subdivision name and lot number.
Iowa
Title Turn Time: 24-48 hours
Attorney State: NO
Marital State: Yes, Spouse must sign if the property is homestead.
Meridian National Title must Fund: No (Title Only allowed)
Document Requirements for policy:
- Closing instructions
- Payoffs of items on title
- Copy of signed HUD
- Executed Mortgage
- Meridian Title disclosure docs
- 1003 or SOI
- Proof of wire or cancelled check for payoff
- Ledger
Mortgage Tax: Not Applicable
Survey: No Survey required just the survey affidavit.
Recording Requirements:
None of importance
Kansas
Title Turn Time: 24-48 hours
Attorney State: NO
Marital State: Yes, Spouse must sign if the property is homestead.
Meridian National Title must Fund: No (Title Only allowed)
Document Requirements for policy:
- Closing instructions
- Payoffs of items on title
- Copy of signed HUD
- Executed Mortgage
- Meridian Title disclosure docs
- 1003 or SOI
- Proof of wire or cancelled check for payoff
- Ledger
Mortgage Tax: Mortgage tax is applicable in the state of Kansas please contact us for amounts.
Survey: No Survey required just the survey affidavit.
Recording Requirements:
The 1st page must have a top margin of three (3) inches and one (1) inch margins on each of the three reaming sides. All subsequent pages must have a one (1) inch margin on all four sides. The top left upper margin may be used for the title company stamp or the company name.
Documents must have a font size of 9 point or larger!!!!!
If margin requirements are not met you may use a COVERSHEET and charge for an additional page.
All documents must have the names printed or typed under all signatures.
Kentucky
Title Turn Time: 24-48 hours
Attorney State: NO
Marital State: Yes, Spouse must sign if the property is the marital residence.
Meridian National Title must Fund: No (Title Only allowed)
Document Requirements for policy:
- Closing instructions
- Payoffs of items on title
- Copy of signed HUD
- Executed Mortgage
- Meridian Title disclosure docs
- 1003 or SOI
- Proof of wire or cancelled check for payoff
- Ledger
Mortgage Tax: Not Applicable.
Survey: Survey is required for purchases. The survey affidavit is used for refinances
Recording Requirements:
State requires that the document be legible for reproduction.
Prepared by statement must have company name, address and signature of individual preparing the document.
All Deeds and Mortgages must have a conveyance noted on the document. This may be the derivation clause in the legal.
NOTE : If a Deed is recorded prior to the mortgage the derivation must read from the Deed being recorded Not of the prior title.
Parcel #’s are required on all documents.
Louisiana
Title Turn Time: 24-48 hours
Attorney State: For the search only. The attorney provides a certification of the search.
Marital State: Community property state. Both husband and wife must execute the Deed of Trust of their community property, consisting of that acquired be either party during their marriage. However, real property owned by or claimed by either person before marriage or thereafter acquired by gift, devise or descent is the separate property of the husband or wife, as the case may be.
Meridian National Title must Fund: No (Title Only allowed)
Document Requirements for policy:
- Closing instructions
- Payoffs of items on title
- Copy of signed HUD
- Executed Mortgage
- Meridian Title disclosure docs
- 1003 or SOI
- Proof of wire or cancelled check for payoff
- Ledger
Mortgage Tax: Mortgage tax is applicable in some counties of Louisiana please contact us for amounts and locations.
Survey: No Survey required just the survey affidavit.
Recording Requirements:
Font shall be no smaller than 8 point and NO FAX COPIES .
Margins shall be 2” at the top and 1” at the bottom and sides of the document.
All documents must have an entire copy of the document submitted with the original since the original document is archived.
Maine
Title Turn Time: 24-48 hours
Attorney State: NO
Marital State: No, spouse isn’t required to sign the docs.
Meridian National Title must Fund: No (Title Only allowed)
Document Requirements for policy:
- Closing instructions
- Payoffs of items on title
- Copy of signed HUD
- Executed Mortgage
- Meridian Title disclosure docs
- 1003 or SOI
- Proof of wire or cancelled check for payoff
- Ledger
Mortgage Tax: Not Applicable
Survey: No Survey required just the survey affidavit.
Recording Requirements:
No fax copies accepted and the document must be legible.
Maryland
Title Turn Time: 24-48 hours
Attorney State: NO
Marital State: No, spouse isn’t required to sign the docs.
Meridian National Title must Fund: Yes, we must perform the full disbursement on the file.
Document Requirements for policy:
- Closing instructions
- Payoffs of items on title
- Meridian Title signed HUD
- Executed Mortgage
- State required affidavits
- Meridian Title disclosure docs
Mortgage Tax: Mortgage tax is applicable in the state of Maryland please contact us for amounts.
Survey: No Survey required just the survey affidavit.
Recording Requirements:
Note: There are many recording requirements for Maryland please make sure to contact our offices for further information.
There are no specific font and margin requirements as long as the document is legible for reproduction.
NOTE: Many Counties in Maryland have their own forms and special requirements below you will see basic requirements per the state but you will need to verify the county forms and requirements by going to the links under SPECIAL COUNTY REQUIREMENTS BELOW.
Any Document signed by a Power of Attorney, the Refinance Aff must include this verbiage (i or ii) typed prior to the signature as pursuant to Property Article 12-108(g)(4).
(4) A statement under paragraph (3) of this subsection by an agent of the original mortgagor shall state that the statement:
(i) is based on a diligent inquiry made by the agent with respect to the facts set forth in the statement; and
(ii) is true to the best of the knowledge, information, and belief of the agent.
(HOWARDCounty requires their own Refi Aff. See SpecialCountyRequirements.)
Massachusetts
Title Turn Time: 24-48 hours
Attorney State: YES, Search and Closing
Meridian National Title must Fund: Yes, We must perform the full disbursements on the file.
Marital State: Both spouses must sign the documents if there is a recorded declaration of homestead.
Document Requirements for policy:
- Closing instructions
- Payoffs of items on title
- Meridian Title HUD signed at closing
- Executed Mortgage
- Meridian Title disclosure docs
- Must have legible copy of identification for each borrower.
Mortgage Tax: Not applicable
Survey: Survey is only required for a purchase. The survey affidavit is needed for refinances.
Recording Requirements:
All documents require a 3″ x 3″ area in the top right corner of the document as the “recording information area”.
Deeds, Mortgages and Satisfactions must have the property address stated on the 1 st page of the document.
All Legal Descriptions require a Derivation Clause including the book/page not the instrument number or if Registered Land the title# must be included which you can get from the Land Court.
REGISTERED LAND DOCUMENTS WITH HAVE A CERTIFICATE OF TITLE# IN THE LEGAL DESCRIPTION.. (YOU MUST ATTACH A COPY OF THE DOCUMENT WITH A COVERLETTER STATING YOU REQUEST A TIME STAMPED COPY WITH RECORDING INFORMATION OF THE NEW DOCUMENT.)
NON-REGISTERED LAND DOCUMENTS WILL HAVE A BOOK AND PAGE NUMBER IN THE LEGAL DESCRIPTION.
If Documents are over a year old they must be re-executed to be recorded with the county.
Documents must go to the correct Registry to be recorded which is based upon the township of the property.
Michigan
Title Turn Time: 24-48 hours
Attorney State: NO
Marital State: Yes, Spouse must sign if the property is the marital residence.
Meridian Title must Fund: No (Title Only allowed)
Document Requirements for policy:
- Closing instructions
- Payoffs of items on title
- Copy of signed HUD
- Executed Mortgage
- Meridian Title disclosure docs
- 1003 or SOI
- Proof of wire or cancelled check for payoff
- Ledger
Mortgage Tax: Not Applicable.
Survey: No Survey required just the survey affidavit.
Recording Requirements:
All documents must have a clear 2 margin across the top of the document, ½” margins on right, left and bottom. Each subsequent page need ½” margins on all sides.
No documents may have first 5 digits of a social security listed.
Font shall be no smaller than 10 point and document must be legible.
All documents executed require a prepared by or a drafted statement with an individual’s name and address.
Legal Descriptions if not typed within the instrument must be placed after the instrument and before any riders. Also must include city/township of property no exceptions.
All signatures must have name printed or typed under each including the notary and all print must be in black ink throughout the document only signatures can be in blue ink. All changes must be initialed.
Also all names must be vested and acknowledged as the borrower(s) signed.
Marital status required on all documents code MCLA 565.221.
Recording of any certified copies of documents, Death Certificate, Probate papers, etc. must have a coversheet attached with Title of Document with return to address.
Minnesota
Title Turn Time: 24-48 hours
Attorney State: NO
Marital State: Yes, Spouse must sign if the property is the marital residence.
Meridian Title must Fund: No (Title Only allowed)
Document Requirements for policy:
- Closing instructions
- Payoffs of items on title
- Copy of signed HUD
- Executed Mortgage
- Meridian Title disclosure docs
- 1003 or SOI
- Proof of wire or cancelled check for payoff
- Ledger
Mortgage Tax: Mortgage tax is applicable in the state of Minnesota please contact us for amounts.
Survey: No Survey required just the survey affidavit.
Recording Requirements:
Font must be at least 8 point or larger.
Any strikeouts or use of whiteout is not acceptable and unrecordable, you need to redraft the documents if this is done.
The borrower’s name and marital status must be listed on the 1st page of all documents and also stated in the acknowledgement.
No whiteout allowed on any documents.
Must have “Drafted By” statement “Not Prepared By” at the conclusion of the document with name(company) and address.
Mississippi
Title Turn Time: 24-48 hours
Attorney State: NO
Marital State: Yes, Spouse must sign if the property is the marital residence.
Meridian Title must Fund: No (Title Only allowed)
Document Requirements for policy:
- Closing instructions
- Payoffs of items on title
- Copy of signed HUD
- Executed Mortgage
- Meridian Title disclosure docs
- 1003 or SOI
- Proof of wire or cancelled check for payoff
- Ledger
Mortgage Tax: Not Applicable
Survey: No Survey required just the survey affidavit.
Recording Requirements:
Mortgage requires a prepared by statement including the telephone number of the preparer.
Legal descriptions must include indexing instructions i.e.; For Indexing Purposes” which you must state the quarter of Section, Township, Range and county.
Missouri
Title Turn Time: 24-48 hours
Attorney State: NO
Marital State: Yes, Spouse must sign if the property is the marital residence.
Meridian Title must Fund: No (Title Only allowed)
Document Requirements for policy:
- Closing instructions
- Payoffs of items on title
- Copy of signed HUD
- Executed Mortgage
- Meridian Title disclosure docs
- 1003 or SOI
- Proof of wire or cancelled check for payoff
- Ledger
Mortgage Tax: Not Applicable
Survey: No Survey required just the survey affidavit.
Recording Requirements:
1 st page of all documents must have a 3” top margin and a minimum of ¾” on subsequent pages.
1 st page requirements must include Title of Document, Date of Document, All Grantor/Grantee names and addresses, Statutory Addresses, Legal Description (may be abbreviated and stated see attached.)
Must be submitted on 8.5” x 11” white 20# paper. One sided only.
Font must be at least 10 point.
COVERSHEET if needed must include the entire Trustee Verbiage(Borrowers can not be listed just as the Trustees).
No highlighting, white-out or labels attached, or non-standard fees with apply.
Montana
Title Turn Time: 24-48 hours
Attorney State: NO
Marital State: Yes, Spouse must sign if the property is the marital residence.
Meridian National Title must Fund: No (Title Only allowed)
Document Requirements for policy:
- Closing instructions
- Payoffs of items on title
- Copy of signed HUD
- Executed Mortgage
- Meridian Title disclosure docs
- 1003 or SOI
- Proof of wire or cancelled check for payoff
- Ledger
Mortgage Tax: Not Applicable
Survey: Survey is required on purchase transactions. Survey affidavit can be used for refinances.
Recording Requirements:
(a) Legibly printed at least 10-point font.
(b) Provide the names of the parties to the conveyance on th e1st or 2nd page of any document with more than 1 page.
(c) Margin should be 3 inches at the top of the 1st page and at least 1″ on top/bottom/sides on all subsequent pages.
(d) Return to address should be in the upper left-had corner of the 1st page.
(e) All print must be black ink not including signatures
*If the above requirements are not met non standard fees apply.
Signatures must be in black or dark ink to insure reproduction for recording.
All signatures must have the name typed, stamped or printed underneath. Social Security, Drivers License, personal numbers, etc. may not be listed on any documents of public record.